December 20, 2008
Mexico Missions Trip
If you are interested in starting a small group, please contact Gary at the church office or by email.
Want to start a group?
Small Groups FAQ
What Are Abbotsford Vineyard's Small Groups?
Small groups are important at the Vineyard because community is important. Many Christians today, however, feel fellowship or small group participation is optional-something they do only when they have free time after work, family errands, friends and leisure.
We believe community is basic to what it means to be a Christian. The bible teaches that once we accept Christ, we are not only reconciled to God but we are also relationally united with other believers in what's called the body of Christ.
Just as each of us has one body with many members… so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (Romans 12:4,5)
There are countless verses telling us how to relate to each other and the phrase "one another" alone appears over 60 times.
"…love one another…" (1 John 4:7)
"Honor one another…" (Romans 12:10)
"…agree with one another…" (1 Corinthians 1:10)
"Be patient, bearing with one another…" (Ephesians 4:2)
It's seems obvious that the Christian life is meant to be lived in the context of fellowship. Unfortunately, it's hard to experience real community at our weekend worship services. Meeting once a week for an hour and a half in a large group of people is not what the writers of the New Testament had in mind when they wrote about fellowship. While our worship services are a very important part of our church life, it's at our small group meetings during the week that we can experience real community.
Relationship and community with other Christians is vital to your spiritual health and growth. If you are not yet involved in a small group we encourage you to make time for it in your life.
How do I choose a group that's right for me?
Consider what your greatest need is and then look for a group that you think will best meet that need. There are small group cards on the information wall in the lobby. Each card contains information about each of our small groups such as days and locations, group leader's name and contact information and the group focus. Or go to the smallgroup page which also lists our current groups. Abbotsford Vineyard's small groups meet throughout the week at various times locations throughout the Abbotsford area. You should be able to find something that fits your need and situation.
What goes on at a smallgroup meeting and how long is it?
The Abbotsford Vineyard has more than just one type of smallgroup - in fact we have smallgroups that meet regularly that are not typical care groups such as dinner groups, breakfast groups, prayer groups, outreach groups, sports groups and more! Check them out here.
Our care groups function more like a typically "homegroup". The average care group meeting lasts about two hours. We encourage all of our care groups to consist of five key elements; worship, prayer, community/relationship building, outreach/service and bible study. Some groups may focus more on bible study and others on service and outreach or community but all of our groups do have these five basic elements in common.
Do I have to be invited first before I can attend a small group meeting?
Absolutely not! All of our groups are open to anyone who would like to visit and "check them out."
What will happen if I just "show up" at a small group meeting?
You will be warmly welcomed and invited to participate to the degree you feel comfortable. All of our groups are accustomed to visitors and new people. We do advise, however, that you phone the leader in advance to make sure the group is still meeting at the same time and place. Leaders' phone numbers are listed on the information cards in the lobby.
Do I have to make a long-term commitment to a particular small group?
No. You are free to visit as many groups as you like, and to attend a group for as short or long a period of time as you want. We do recommend, however, you select a group and stick with it for a while. That will give you a chance to really get a feel for the group as well as to form meaningful relationships with others.
Church and Christianity are both very new to me. Should I wait until I become more familiar with the bible before going to a small group?
Absolutely not! Small group involvement is the best way to grow in your knowledge and understanding of spiritual things. If you think you may feel out of place in a group with "old-timers" or "bible experts," you may want to check out one of our discipleship groups. These groups are made up of folks who are both new to Vineyard and new to Christianity.
Can I bring my kids with me to the small group meeting?
Some groups do provide supervision for children either at the place of meeting or nearby but most do not. It is best to check in advance by calling the leader or host of the group you are interested in. Their phone numbers are listed on the group card in the church lobby.
If you have any additional questions about small groups, please call Gary or Scott at the church office during the week, 604.864.9162, and we will try to assist you.